Many Stranded As Organised Labour Blocks Abuja Airport

Members of the Organised Labour have blocked both the entry and exit ways of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to protest the assault of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

The labour unions had earlier mobilised for a protest at the Abuja Airport to enforce their directive to members working in the aviation sector to stop all flights to Owerri, Imo.

The protest is part of the series of actions by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), who had promised to ground Imo State economically following the attack on the NLC president.

Labour has restated that Govenor Hope Uzodinma of Imo and the police command in the state, were responsible for Ajaero’s ordeal, which the governor and the police have denied their involvement.

The protesters attempted to enter the airport but were stopped at the checkpoint by the military and other security agencies.

Angered by the refusal, the protesters blocked the airport’s entry and exit points, causing heavy vehicle traffic on both sides. Also, travellers were forced to start making their way into the airport on foot.

Recall that the NLC and TUC had on Tuesday declared a nationwide strike, which will commence on Tuesday, November 14, because of the face-off with the Imo state government.

On Wednesday, aviation unions directed their workers to withdraw services to all Owerri flights from all airports in Nigeria in line with the directive from organised labour.

The statement was issued by the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE).